Struggles of Athletic Club’s ‘Nines’ and Valverde’s Plan for Improvement

Athletic finished last year outside of Europe due to their bad numbers in San Mamés and the offensive ineffectiveness. And this one has started with one of those two bad habits: equally failing against the opposite goal. The ‘nines’ are showing an alarming lack of aim in the four matches played so far, in which only Martón has seen the door. He scored twice against Necaxa and scored again in a game against the subsidiary last week. Yesterday against Celtic in Glasgow the playmaker Unai Gómez and Muniain made their debut. Villalibre and Iñaki Williams are enjoying chances, but start to show signs of impotence when it’s time for the shot. Raúl García is not having so many, and he has not opened his directorial account either.

Valverde considers that it is something temporary and maintains his idea that Martón must seek accommodation outside. The priority for him is to cover the departure of Iñigo Martínez with another center-back, but the market does not offer options after the hiring of Osasunista Herrando fell through. The other side of the coin in front of the bad moment of the ‘nines’ in the present pre-season is Galarreta, with his brilliance in midfield. “We went into the game very well, we were able to generate quite a few chances through steals near their area. In the second part they put more intensity with the changes, they put us in our field and it was difficult for us to leave. It’s a shame because we’re leaving with a loss, even if it’s a friendly, it’s important to have a good feeling”, said the former Mallorca player, who left Celtic Park admiring the atmosphere, “it’s amazing”, and He considers that this type of appointments are very good “to prepare you for what comes from the competition”.

Unai Gómez himself has taken a step forward to try to stay in the first team. Valverde asks for players with his nerve and is at a high level. “We have to keep growing. I am very happy, the atmosphere in that field is incredible. I try to take advantage of opportunities, ”he reflected after his great goal against Celtic in minute two. “I was able to steal and I didn’t think about it when I saw the goalkeeper, I tried to adjust it to the post with my left foot, he turned out well”.

2023-08-03 01:16:59
#Athletics #stuck